ICTS has developed a committee of faculty researchers with experience working with vulnerable populations. This Special Population Navigators Program is available to provide guidance and best practices for recruitment and retention of special populations.
Who We Serve
Special Populations Navigators are available to all UCI clinical investigators including trainees, so long as the projects relates to clinical research. Resources are limited and projects will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
Services We Provide
- Protocol review: a group of experienced researchers and coordinators are available to assist investigators in designing studies that reduce barriers and maximize the likelihood of success
- Study consult: Investigators whose studies are recruiting more slowly than planned or are experiencing greater than expected loss-to-follow-up can request consultation on methods to improve recruitment and retention outcomes
- Access to Community Engagement Studios to provide a framework for stakeholders to give immediate feedback to researchers on specific areas of concern before a research project is implemented, or to assist a struggling project.
Contact Information
The Special Populations Navigators are led by Dr. Uma Rao, behavioral researcher nationally recognized for her work in health disparities. Robynn Zender (rzender@uci.edu) coordinates the activity of the service.
